Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Tapenade:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
– In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Chicken:
– Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
– Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
– Alternatively, you can bake the chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Avocado Tapenade:
– In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, capers, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.
– Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble and Serve:
– Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the breasts to a serving platter.
– Spoon the avocado tapenade over the top of the grilled chicken breasts.
– Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
5. Enjoy:
– Serve the Mediterranean chicken breasts with avocado tapenade immediately, paired with a side of roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
